Re: Jacksons
I have two. One is a made-in-Japan Professional Series Dinky, (DXII or something like that), and one is a USA Soloist. I think they both sound great. The Dinky has this super slim neck, and is super light. It's made of Basswood, but just about any pup I throw in there sounds good. I keep it at work and pick it up when I get the chance. It's my "traveller" since it's got a few bruises. The USA never leaves home.
What can you say about the USA's that hasn't been said? Mine's a neck-thru soloist with ebony board. Red Ghost Flames Finish, Original Floyd, and came with duncans. I picked it up on sale for 1100. I got my Les Paul for 1600, and I'll use that as a comparison since they're comparably priced.
1. The LP had to immediately go to a technician for fret levelling and setup - kaching 80 bucks. The Soloist came home from the store with some of the most insanely low action you could think of. The jumbo frets were smooth as butter.
2. The LP had a good finish for a Classic. It didn't have that annoying smudge right above the fretboard at the joint like you see so often. I'm happy with that finish. But, my God, the finish on the Soloist was incredible. Like glass. Flawless, and I do mean flawless. You can't find a joint or seam, and the thing was just super smooth. Very solid feeling also.
3. Of course sound's where it's at. I'm an 80's metal guy, and nothing has done it for me like that Jackson (or the Dinky for that matter). It came with a JB. I didn't care for it at first, and went through the usual suspects... Custom, DD. Then I switched out the chip on my amp, and bling... it all fell into place for that guitar loaded with a JB. But, the Custom and DD sound killer in those as well. I also raised the action a little which suited me better. The neck pups sound surprisingly warm also when combined with the middle pup. With tone and volume rolled off, it sounds pretty darned good, and even my guitar teacher commented on its warmth (for a Jackson).
Drawbacks? Well, if I had it to do over again, I would get a Hum Hum. I never use the middle pup, and I do so like the neck Jazz. I would probably get a USA bolt-on given another chance. I know that sounds wierd, but there you go. If the neck or headstock ever gets broken, it's basically curtains for that axe. Pinch harmonics come roll out of my LP better than the Jackson, which has always intrigued me.
I'm a bit ashamed to say that I'm not really worthy of the USA. There are so many better players who should be using this guitar's potential, but I ran into a little money a few years back, and got my "dream 80's guitar." Someday, I'll do it proud though.
As for ESP's etc. I can't say much... never played one, but others like Twilight swear by theirs, so the upper end models must be fantastic.
There ya go. My .02
-Matt